SUPPLIES
- Portfolio
- Computer
- Internet access
- Photographer
Overview
If you are an aspiring model, actor, musician or writer, you would benefit from getting an agent. A good agent has connections that are nearly impossible for the normal person to make alone. Having an agent can be a huge boost to your career in more ways than one. Not only can an agent help find you work, but he or she can also be the go-between so you don't have to deal with leads that turn out not to be worth anything.
Step 1
Hire a photographer to take a good head shot of you. Everyone needs a head shot, including writers, models and actors. Whether you are a model who needs to include it on your composite sheet or a writer who will need a head shot for newspapers and book covers, a good head shot is important. You can choose to hire a freelance photographer using online sites such as Elance, or you can walk into a local photo studio and have a staff photographer take the picture for you.
Step 2
Assemble your portfolio. Whether you are a model, actor, artist, writer or musician, you should have a good portfolio. You can choose to have an online portfolio or a traditional portfolio. Traditional portfolios should contain 8 to 10 pieces or your best work. For example, a model would want to include his or her best shots, and a writer should include any published work or exceptionally good pieces. If you are an actor or musician, you can consider an online portfolio. This should be a Web page that includes links to some of your work, any awards you may have received and projects you have worked on.
Step 3
Make a list of agents and their contact information. You can find agents online or in your local Yellow Pages under "agents." You can find literary agents online at websites such as Writers Net. If you a model, you can check out Model Network and other modeling websites. There are agents out there for any type of work in the entertainment and publishing fields, and the Internet can be one of your best resources for finding them.
Step 4
Write a cover letter and mail it along with a copy of your resume and head shot to each of the agencies you have located. Interested agents will normally contact you within 4 to 12 weeks of receiving your information.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : The more agents you send your information to, the more likely you are to land one.
- WARNING : Watch out for agent scams. Agents typically receive around a 20 percent commission, and you should never have to pay for an agent to represent you.
Resources
